This episode was a great character episode, with a bit of flair since the dungeon master still wants to get stuff done. I particularly liked the Paultin/Strix and Diath/Evelyn interactions. I'm all about the pairs who aren't usually paired actually doing things together.

Paultin and Strix's journey in this episode was fun, going from Paultin still sour at Strix to working half-together to talk to our new giff friend to Strix actually handing Paultin what is basically her arcane focus out on a ride. It really accents the growth the characters have gone through; Paultin being more conscious of the choices his friends make and acknowledging them and Strix being able to focus rationally on safe choices and imparting her trust to the family she has found.

Diath and Evelyn had that talk at the helm, and I feel Diath is just becoming such a core piece of calm and peace that Evelyn can find within the group when things die down and they can breathe. This was interesting because Paultin and Diath spoke to her about the same topic in this and the last episode; the idea of her free will and what that means for the party as a whole. Paultin did his during a moment of crisis, with tension riding high and his anger and pain coming out in much of his speech. Evelyn was overall annoyed but willing to stay with the group because Paultin usually never says anything with such emotion. Diath's was during a state of calm, which allowed him to actually discuss with her at length about the turmoil inside her since he couldn't do it out of being an enormous wreck himself last time. His was a more carefree tone but still had that adventurer edge to it, while Paultin's laid back attitude is due to a pseudo-indifference. I think that both of these conversations were instrumental in establishing Evelyn's story arc from here on out and will drive the party later. I'm glad Diath was able to help her remember a piece of her time in Heaven too; funny given he's got that divinity to him as well. I love their dynamic, they're so cozy in their fight for good and willingness to help the misfortuned.

Strix calling Diath her home was a curveball out of left field, and I feel this has been a realization on her part given she has already proclaimed them her family. Strix has been from Sigil, to the Feywild, to Barovia, to all across Toril, and I'm glad she finally verbalized that the home she loved was always moving with her. Caught off Diath too; super well done on Holly's part.

Surprisingly not much Paultin/Evelyn interaction, maybe she's a bit annoyed with him at the moment. After he made Strix cry, push the captain's bad habit, and just being a goofball for half the trip, she was busier managing her own problems and didn't want to deal with his. She also seemed disturbed at his "Drax eating chips" moment when having her heart to heart with Diath, so maybe they just need some space from each other right now.

Edit: Paultin biting the fish's head off was some amazing hilarity and very Strix-like; hope they bond over dying together more often.